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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.